I am new to this site, had lumpectomy 4 wks ago. been told have to have radio and tamoxifin, now have to decide wheather to have cemo or not as it will only benifit me 2%.BC was grade 3 but they said small 15mm it hasnt spread to nodes or anywhere else. I am going for second opinion on thurs. It has got my head in a twirl its all new to me part ov me doesnt want the cemo but there is this nagging but why dont the docs just decide for me? mrs doubt
Hello Doubt
Welcome to the forums, you’ve come to the right place for support as the users of this site have a wealth of experience and knowledge between them.
You may also find it useful to contact our free helpline which opens again on Monday morning at 9.00. The number is 0808 800 6000, opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00.
Best wishes
June, moderator
I had a grade 3 13mm tumour, but because it was HER2+ I got chemo automatically as Herceptin works best in conjunction with chemo. However, when originally diagnosed it was supposed to be only Grade 2, and even then I was going to ask them if I could have chemo. (Ignorance is bliss, an’ all that!)
It’s a tough decision, but it’s one that only you can make. Chemo is harsh, nobody will tell you otherwise, and it may be that the harshness of the side-effects don’t warrant the additional benefit of having it.
I suggest you give the Helpline a ring on Monday so you can talk it over with a voice, rather than a keyboard. That might help you understand the thinking behind leaving the decision to you.
Hi my situation was different to yours in that my tumour was 15mm but a grade 2(I had no lymph node involvement or lymphvascular invasion.) My tumour was Oestrogen positive and HER 2 negative. I was told like you that chemo would benefit me by 2%. Instead of Chemo my oncologist has put me on Zoladex injections every 4 weeks as well as Tamoxifen. He said this would give me the same benefit as chemo for my situation.
I would also agree that phoning the helpline would be a benefit as they are very good and will be able to answer any questions.
Wishing you all the best it is a hard time as we all want to fight this to the maximum we can.Take care x
Thanks for your answers went back to see my surgen on tues who did my op he strongly advised me to have the chemo. going to see another oncolichist tomorrow ,thurs see what he says. Feel I have to decide by tomorrow as its just dragging on and I am in limbo land
mrs doubt
I hope you have a good meeting with your oncologist. I am sure you will come to the right decision for you. It is horrible being in limbo and much better when you have a plan and know where you are going.
Best wishes x
Hi Katyd,
Had good meeting with oncol he was top doc, doc I seen last week was his junior doc.He strongly advised me to have cemo with BC being a grade 3 he wants to give me every chance for it not to come back. I was ment to start treatment end of month but it is my 50th birthday and I am going away for wk end with bout 20 friends,so he is going to start my treatment 10th oct. I feel a bit more settled now I know what is going on in my life. He asked if I want to wear this cold cap to try save my hair I have said yes as I have thick dark brown long hair,Anyway I will come to that hurddle when I come to it what will be will be. Feel like my brain needs a rest from it all as it has taken over my life. Thanks for posting me back.
Mrs Doubt
Hi MrsDoubt, glad u had a good meeting with the onc, sometimes u do need to see the top one so to speak. I had the same thing with my choice of ops, the junior doc gave me no info & i was in such a dilemma as to what to do but after 5 minutes with the consultant surgeon i had made my mind up as she explained things so clearly. I think u will feel better now u have a plan, i saw my onc this week & start chemo next week so i know how u are feeling today. At least u can still have ur weekend away. Just make sure u enjoy every minute of it, hope u have a fantastic 50th. Mines in January & im hoping the chemo will just about be finished by then,if nothing goes wrong it should be.Im trying the cold cap as well, thought i might as well give it a go.
hi Mrs Doubt.
Glad your mind is now settled and that you are happy that you have the right treatment plan. i think you are so right to wait until the end of your birthday celebration, you sound a pragmatic person and I am sure you will be able to just enjoy it and use it as a spirit raiser to help you cope with the treatment.
i dont thing anyone has started one yet , so you could post a thread-“starting chemo in October” then everybody at the same stage can join in and you can support each other-- if thats the sort of thing that you think would help you get through it.
Hi Really pleased that you had a good meeting with the top doc and you are now settled in your mind. Hope you have a great 50th birthday.
With all good wishes for your Birthday and your treatment
KatyD x
Anyone starting chemo october? I am giving cold cap a go .
starting chemo next month has anyone used the cold cap?
I usedthe cold cap on my first two treatments as I was conscious of loosing my hair quickly. Like you, I had a head of thick, long brown hair. The cold cap definitely prolonged the loss of my hair but it did still fall out. Being thick, no-one really noticed, I was very aware of it though. I would advise anyone to try it out. It is painful and you get a seasick sensation whilst it is on but a friend by your side to distract you and keep you entertained always helps! Best of luck with your chemo, I am 5 down, 3 to go!
I usedthe cold cap on my first two treatments as I was conscious of loosing my hair quickly. Like you, I had a head of thick, long brown hair. The cold cap definitely prolonged the loss of my hair but it did still fall out. Being thick, no-one really noticed, I was very aware of it though. I would advise anyone to try it out. It is painful and you get a seasick sensation whilst it is on but a friend by your side to distract you and keep you entertained always helps! Best of luck with your chemo, I am 5 down, 3 to go!
Hi there well started my treatment 12th oct wore the cold cap was painful at first but got used to it. My husband talked me through it. Still keep waking up every morning wating for my hair to drop out. I keep putting off going to get my wig. So have you got to wear a wig ? Been feeling sick lots and sleeping loads cant wait for my good days to come back I am hating this part of my life . thanks for answering my post .all the best xxxxxxxx